CITES praises Gujarat’s Vantara for global wildlife care standards

The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) has praised Vantara, a major wildlife rescue and conservation project in Gujarat’s Jamnagar, for maintaining world-class standards in animal care, ethical practices and conservation management, reports ANI.

In a report submitted to its Standing Committee following a recent mission to India, the CITES Secretariat said Vantara and its associated facilities operate with “exceptionally high standards” in terms of advanced veterinary treatment, well-designed enclosures, professional management and long-term conservation planning. Vantara — meaning “forest of life” — is based in the western Indian state of Gujarat and houses rescued, injured and confiscated animals, including elephants, lions, tigers, exotic birds and reptiles. It is run mainly through the Greens Zoological Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre (GZRRC) and the Radha Krishna Temple Elephant Welfare Trust (RKTEWT), both situated within the Vantara complex.

The global wildlife body noted that India’s wildlife laws, particularly the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, amended in 2022, fully meet CITES requirements. The Secretariat confirmed that it found no evidence of illegal wildlife imports, commercial trade or sale of animals or their offspring from the facility. Officials at Vantara assured that the centre functions only for rescue, conservation breeding, treatment and scientific purposes, with no intention of engaging in animal sales in future. The report also said that all animals imported to the facility have valid CITES permits and were brought in accordance with Indian regulations.

CITES highlighted Vantara’s success in breeding native species such as the Asiatic lion, while breeding of non-native species like the Spix macaw — one of the world’s rarest birds — has begun and will take time to mature. The Secretariat also acknowledged that the centres have developed advanced veterinary procedures and regularly share medical achievements and research with the wider scientific community, indicating their global relevance.

The report added that Vantara plans to open a public zoo as part of its long-term vision, alongside future programmes for returning certain species to the wild and restoring habitats. The project is seen as part of Gujarat’s broader role in wildlife conservation, which already includes the protection of Asiatic lions in the Gir Forest.

CITES thanked India for its cooperation and transparency during the mission and noted that the Vantara facilities reflect the country’s proactive stance on animal welfare and compliance with international environmental standards.